Dengue Danger: Global Surge Rings WHO Alarm Bells

Infostride News reports a stern warning from the World Health Organisation (WHO) regarding the alarming surge in global dengue infections throughout 2023, posing a potentially severe public health threat. The UN health agency revealed that the worldwide tally for dengue infections in 2023 surpassed five million, with a grim death toll of 5,000.

Dr. Diana Rojas Alvarez, the WHO Team Lead on Arboviruses, stressed the critical need for heightened attention to this emerging threat during a briefing at the UN headquarters in Geneva. She underscored the necessity of a comprehensive response from all levels of the UN health agency to assist countries in controlling ongoing dengue outbreaks and preparing for the imminent dengue season.

Dengue, a prevalent viral infection transmitted by infected mosquitoes, primarily affects urban areas within tropical and sub-tropical climates. The reported upswing in cases is attributed to infected mosquitoes thriving in an increasing number of countries, a consequence of global warming associated with rising emissions.

Dr. Alvarez shed light on the profound impact of climate change on dengue transmission, citing its role in increasing rainfall, humidity, and temperature—conditions conducive to the proliferation of mosquitoes responsible for spreading the disease. While many individuals infected with dengue remain symptom-free and recover within one to two weeks, severe cases can lead to shock, severe bleeding, or organ impairment.

The WHO cautioned that severe symptoms often manifest after the fever has subsided, catching caregivers and medical professionals off guard. Signs to watch for include intense abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding gums, fluid accumulation, lethargy, restlessness, and liver enlargement. With no specific treatment for dengue, early detection and access to proper medical care become crucial in reducing the risk of death due to severe dengue.

Dr. Alvarez presented concerning statistics, revealing that, since the beginning of the year, over five million cases and approximately 5,000 deaths from dengue have been reported worldwide. The Americas accounted for nearly 80% of these cases, followed by Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific. Additionally, the WHO expressed concern about dengue outbreaks occurring in fragile and conflict-affected countries in the eastern Mediterranean region, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sudan, Somalia, and Yemen.

The global prevalence of mosquitoes has undergone a shift in recent years due to the 2023 El Niño phenomenon, exacerbating the impacts of global warming and climate change, as outlined by the WHO.

Turning attention to Nigeria, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) confirmed a Dengue Fever outbreak reported in Sokoto state in November 2023. As of now, 71 suspected cases, 13 confirmed cases, and zero deaths have been reported in the state. The majority of suspected cases fall within the age range of 21-40 years. The NCDC has determined the current risk of the dengue outbreak to be moderate based on a dynamic risk assessment.

As the threat of dengue looms globally, local health authorities, such as the NCDC in Nigeria, play a pivotal role in monitoring and managing outbreaks. The dynamic risk assessment conducted by the NCDC underscores the need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of the dengue outbreak and protect the population.

In conclusion, the WHO’s alarm regarding the surge in dengue infections worldwide in 2023 serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of global health challenges. As climate change continues to influence the spread of infectious diseases, collaborative efforts at local and international levels become imperative to effectively address and combat emerging threats like dengue. Infostride News will continue to monitor and report on developments related to the dengue outbreak, providing updates on the efforts and strategies employed to curb its impact on public health.